Shattered Glass

by Eric Michael Kline

Cold

"Was it really necessary to make them bump us up to first class?" Twilight asked. "I mean, they didn't even charge us extra."

"Now Twilight dear," Rarity lectured. "You're a princess now. And with that title comes certain responsibilities. Among those is meeting your subject's expectations for how you travel."

"Just let it go Twilight," Applejack said from under her hat. "Ya know how Rarity gets once she gets an idea in 'er head." Twilight nodded and gazed out the window as the scenery continued to race by. She, Spike, and all her friends had left Ponyville early that morning on the train to Canterlot. Spring was coming to an end and the Summer Sun Celebration was less than a month away. Unlike the previous years, Princess Celestia had issued a proclamation that from now on, the festival would no longer celebrate her victory over Nightmare Moon but instead the return of Princess Luna. And according to her latest correspondance with the Princess, she was to aid Celestia and Luna during the opening ceremony for the Canterlot festivities. If somepony had told me a year ago that I'd be a princess, she thought, I'd have called them crazy. Never mind all the stuff that led up to it.

"You okay Twilight?" Spike asked.

"Yeah I'm just thinking. I can't believe that an entire year has already gone by. So much has happened."

"I know," Spike agreed. "I don't think I can even remember it all."

"Oooh I can," Pinkie Pie said as she bounced up in her seat. "Let's see there was Nightmare Moon, meeting Zecora, the parasprite swam, the Grand Galloping Gala, Discord, the Smarty Pants Incident..."

"I was hoping you'd forget that one," Twilight sheepishly mumbled.

"...Nightmare Night with Princess Luna, The Big Wedding in Canterlot, my clones, Rarity turning into Nightmare Rarity, the Crystal Empire, Trixie becoming a great big mean grumpy dictator-pants, reforming Discord, and...," reaching behind her, Pinkie Pie pulled out a crystal flugelhorn and unleashed a trumpeting blast that echoed around the entire car "...Twilight becoming a PRINCESS!"

"I thought we took that thing away from her," Rarity grimaced.

"We did," Applejack replied.

"And the six other ones she had as well," Rainbow added.

"Well in any case," Twilight said as the ringing in her ears quieted. "I wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of it without all of you. I really don't say it enough but I'm glad that you all became my friends."

"Aw heck sugarcube," Applejack said as she put her hoof around Twilight's shoulder. "We know that 'n we feel the same way. Without you, our lives'd be a lot less interestin'."

"Hey barkeep," Rainbow called out. "Seven colas stat!"

"Sparkling water for me please," Rarity added.

"Coming right up," the unicorn behind the bar said. From out of the cabinets, seven glasses floated onto a tray which were then filled with ice cubes and drinks before the entire tray was levitated to the table where they sat.

"Here's to another year of friendship and crazy adventures," Pinkie said as she raised her glass. "I can't wait to reminisce about all the ones we're about to have at next year's Summer Sun Celebration!"

"Cheers!" they all said as they clinked their glasses. As she drank, Twilight looked down and noticed that Spike was staring into his glass.

"What's wrong Spike?"

"Is it really such a good idea for Princess Celestia to go through with the Summer Sun Celebration?" he asked. "Especially after everything that happened." Immediately, the jubilant mood of the six ponies faded. Their adventure in that alternate Equestria was still fresh in their memory, as was their concern for Princess Celestia's well being.

"I can't imagine what that must be like," Fluttershy said. "Being in love with somepony for so long but not being able to be with him except for a few moments at a time. And then watching him get turned into something evil just to save you before being separated forever."

"So much for love conquering all," Twilight said. For a while, the only sound in the car was the clackety-clack of the train tracks before Rainbow finally spoke up.

"Hey don't worry about the Princess. She's tough. Almost as tough as me. She's faced Nightmare Moon, Discord, and more bad guys than we can count. She's not gonna let something like this get her down. You'll see. When we get to Canterlot she's gonna be back to her old self."

"I hope you're right Rainbow," Twilight sighed. Of course I know that the Princess is strong, she thought. But that whole incident in the other world made me realize that underneath it all she's a pony like everyone else. That was the real reason they had all decided to go to Canterlot together. Twilight was planning to collect some more books from Star Swirl's library, Rarity was going to pick up materials for her new dress line, Applejack was going to negotiate a business deal between Sweet Apple Acres and the Fruit Vendor's guild at the Town Bazaar, and Rainbow was eager to catch the Wonderbolts train at the new stadium. But first thing in all their minds was to check on Princess Celestia and see if she was okay.

Upon arriving at Canterlot Station, the six ponies and dragon assistant went straight to the castle where they were greeted with a flurry of activity. All around them, groundskeepers rushed to scrub the walkways of any dirt and trim any stray branches from the hedges while mason ponies on hoof cranked platforms worked to repair any cracks in the castle walls.

"Oh my," Fluttershy observed as they walked through the courtyard. "They're certainly busy today aren't they?"

"They certainly are," Rarity agreed. "I hear that this year's main event for the festivities in Canterlot is a masquerade ball here at the castle. Royalty as far away as Saddle Arabia, Vanneighheim, and even Nipony are going to be attending. Oh! If the princess invites us maybe I'll finally get to meet my prince!"

"But didn't you already meet Prince Blueblood already?" Pinkie asked.

"We do not speak his name," Rarity grumbled.

"Hey Twilight doesn't this seem strange?" Applejack suddenly asked.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked back. "Everything looks in perfect order to me. There's not a single pony slacking at their work."

"But that's what what Ah'm talkin' about," Applejack explained. "Look at everypony. They're actin' jumpier than a rabbit durin' Timber Wolf seaon. They're tense, they're always lookin' over their shoulder. It doesn't seem like they're enjoyin' their work much."

"Hmm," Rarity said. "Now that you mention it things do seem a bit high-strung around here."

"Twilight?" a voice suddenly called out. From the behind a bush, a pink alicorn with a striped mane stepped into view.

"Cadance!" Twilight cried as she ran to meet her sister in law. Meeting each other halfway, the two princesses broke out into the pattyhoof bit Cadance had taught her when she had been Twilight's foalsiter.

With their customary greeting finished, the two princesses broke into a fit of giggling and embraced each other, oblivious to the perplexed stares of the castle gardeners.

"Cadance what are you doing here?" Twilight asked. "Are you going to partake in the celebration as well?" No sooner had she asked did Twilight notice the grim expression on Cadance's face. "Cadance what's wrong?"

"Actually Twilight I came for another reason. Would you all come with me? And whatever you do be quiet." In an instant, all eyes fell on Pinkie.

"What?" Pinkie asked. "I can be very quiet when I need to be. Rarity, remember that time when we were at the spa, and I kept myself from laughing when..."

"Okay!" Rarity nervously laughed. "Nobody wants to hear such a trivial story Pinkie. Cadance, lead the way." Looking around as if expecting trouble, Cadance gestured them to follow once she seemed confident it was safe to do so.

"Twilight?" Spike whispered. "What do you think's going on?"

"I don't know. Let's just go along with it for now and hopefully we'll get an answer." Around the Castle they went, through the royal gardens and into the hedge maze. Once they had reached the center, Twilight and her friends found themselves greeted by another alicorn whose dark blue coat and starlight mane made her instantly recognizable to all who saw her. "Princess Luna?" Twilight asked as the Princess of the Night came toward them

"Twilight I am glad to see you. And your brought all of your friends as well? Excellent! Cadance, did she see you?"

"Don't worry," Cadance answered. "She was still inside so we were able to move without getting noticed."

"Ooh!" Pinkie interruted. "Are we throwing someone a surprise party? We'll need streamers, balloons, ice cream, a DJ. Oh can we get Vinyl Scratch to..." but Pinkie was cut off as Applejack placed her hoof over her mouth.

"Thank you," Luna said. "Everyone, I am most hesitant to involve you in my personal matters, but I do not know what other action to take."

"Princess what's going on?" Twilight asked. Luna sighed and looked to the castle.

"It's Celestia," she answered. "Something is wrong and I think it has something to do with the incident."

"Incident?" Fluttershy asked. "Um, excuse me Princess, but are you sure we should be discussing this in front of..."

"It's alright Fluttershy," Cadance interrupted. "When Luna learned you all were coming she called for me as well. She told me all about what had happened when I arrived."

"I know that Celestia had us promise not to reveal to anyone the truth of what happened," Luna said. "But Cadance is much more versed in these matters than I am and I felt she could provide an invaluable council."

"Well actually," Pinkie remarked as she hoofed through a rule book, "she only asked us not to tell her subjects. According to this since Cadance is also a princess she's technically not one of those so you're in the clear."

"Wherever did she get..."Luna started to ask before Rainbow cut her off.

"Just let it go and save yourself the headache."

"So what exactly is wrong with the princess?" Spike asked.

"I'll start at the beginning," Luna explained. "For the first few weeks after the incident in the other world, Celestia went about affairs as if nothing had happened. She threw herself into her duties, putting on a cheerful exterior in the presence of the public and castle servants. But in private her demeanor changed completely. She would rarely eat more than a few bites unless I pressured her. And when not occupied, she would sit in her chambers and stare at that shard she kept from the original mirror. What's more, I don't think she's had a truly restful night's sleep since. Many times I would look in on her and she'd be either tossing about her bed or silently weeping. And it's only gotten worse with her preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration. "

"You can't really blame her," Rarity said. "Especially after losing a stallion like that other Sombra. She may be the princess but she's still a lady. And a lady's heart is like fine crystal."

"Love is a powerful and complex force," Cadance added. "When it's lost it can feel as though the entire world has ended. I know that's how I felt when Chrysalis took my place before my wedding. It sounds to me like Celestia's suffering from a broken heart. I'm sorry Luna, but there is no quick fix for that. I'm afraid all we can do is let it run its course and let Celestia know that we're there for her."

"I can kinda relate," Applejack added. "When my ma and pa died back when I was a little filly, I cried myself to sleep every night for almost a month. I don't know what I would 'a done if I didn't have Granny and Big Mac to help me through. Plus, with Apple Bloom still in diapers, someone had to step up to help Granny take care of 'er."

"Have you talked to her about any of this?" Fluttershy asked. Instead of answering, Luna hung her head in shame.

"Excuse me Princess," Rarity asked. "But you're not still mad at her for her relationship with the Luna from the other world are you?"

"No...yes...I mean...yes at first I did avoid talking over the subject. I just wanted to forget it ever happened and move on. But now...the truth is I'm frightened."

"Frightened?" Twilight asked. "Of Princess Celestia?"

"The night before you sent notice that you were coming, she woke screaming from a nightmare that awakened half the castle. And that's when things changed."

"Changed as in how?" Spike asked.

"It was gradual at first," Luna explained. "She would randomly become short with the castle servants. Nothing serious, and she always apologized afterwards. But as they became more frequent she stopped making amends. She's cold to everyone and the entire castle is on edge. It's gotten to the point that preparations for the Celebration here in Canterlot have begun to be negatively affected. It's almost as if..."

"As if what?" Twilight asked. Luna looked to each of them, lingering especially on Rarity, before she answered.

"The way Celestia has been acting is exactly the way I did before I was corrupted by Nightmare Moon."

"N-N-N-N-Nightmare Moon!" Fluttershy gasped.

"Oh no!" Rarity whimpered. "Not again!"

"Having a nightmare, changes in personality," Spike gulped. "Yeah, that sounds like Nightmare Moon's M.O. alright!"

"This is a disaster!" Pinkie yelled. "Princess Celestia's going to turn into Nightmare Sun! The sunshine...will last...FOREVER! Hey that actually sounds like it might be pretty fun."

"Everyone calm down!" Twilight ordered. "It's not Nightmare Moon. And even if it was, do you really think that the Princess would be weak enough to let herself be taken over?" Realizing too late what she had said, Twilight turned nervously to Rarity and Luna. "No offense."

"None taken," they sighed.

"Don't worry Rarity," Spike said. "If Nightmare Moon comes anywhere near you again she's going to have to go through me first!" Rarity looked down at the little dragon and smiled as she cupped her his chin in her hoof.

"Oh Spikey-wikey," Rarity purred. "How can I be scared when I have big strong dragon like you to protect me?"

"Ehba, heba, numa, guma," Spike slured as he began to levitate into the air.

"Alrighty then!" Pinkie announced. "Desperate times call for desperate measures! Operation Sunny Side up will now commence!"

"Operation what?" Rainbow asked.

"Mr. Cake told me that he has a cousin who also owns a special gourmet bakery here in Canterlot. If there's one thing I know, it's that there's no grumpiness a box of super fancy cupcakes won't cure."

"Pinkie I really don't think that cupcakes are the answer," Twilight commented.

"Oh Twilight Twilight Twilight," Pinkie said as she patted her friend's head. "Never underestimate the power of cake! Keep it a secret 'till I get back okay." Before anyone could say anything else, Pinkie had already bounded out of the maze and off into town.

"Twilight," Luna said. "I'm not exactly sure if your pink friend is a genius or a madmare."

"Well that's our Pinkie," Applejack shrugged. "In the meantime, what do we do now?"

"Let's not do anything until after we have all the facts," Twilight decided. "According to the All Pony's Guidebook I read about grief and loss, a pony will go through five distinct stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It sounds like Celestia was in the denial stage and now she's entering anger. I'll go and talk to her and see if I can't get some further insight."

"Thank you Twilight," Luna said. "She should be meeting with the planning committee in the throne room."

"Ungh! Boring!" Rainbow groaned. "You go sit in a meeting if you want. Me? I'm gonna go watch the Wonderbolts train." Before anyone could stop her, Rainbow had already vanished into the sky with nothing but a rainbow jet stream left in her wake.

"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled.

"Don't worry Twilight," Applejack assured her. "You and the others go talk with the Princess and see if you can't get to the bottom of this. Me 'n Rarity will go bring Rainbow 'n Pinkie back after we get all our errands done."

"Good idea Applejack. We'll meet back here in three hours."

"Right," everyone agreed as they all went their separate ways, except for Spike who continued to babble in mid air.

"Ehba, heba, numa, guma!"

"Come on Spike!" Twilight ordered as she grabbed at his tail and tugged him after her.

The throne room was bright. Far too bright. Sunlight flowed through the stained glass windows and created swirling patterns of color on the marble floor that made Celestia's head spin. Between that and the incessant droning of the Celebration's planning committee over matters that nopony with an ounce of sense would care about, it took all of her willpower not to burst out screaming.

"Princess?" one of them asked. The way they looked at her, so full of discomfort. Was it really so disconcerting for them to be around her? Wasn't it enough that she was going through with the Summer Sun Celebration despite the fact that she didn't even want to? But that didn't surprise her. What did they care about what she had lost? What she had been denied? And all for their sake! Stop it, Celestia told herself. Keep it under control. They don't know what happened. And you never should have taken it as far as you did anyway.

"Yes I'm listening."

"Um yes," the committee chairman said. "As I was saying, following the morning events, the afternoon will host a drama performed by students from the Manehatten Institute for Performing Arts concerning Princess Luna's corruption by Nightmare Moon and her redemption. The director sends his assurances that the matter will be treated with utmost respect and that your sister will be depicted as a sympathetic character."

"I see," Celestia said. Luna could easily be forgiven. After all, she wasn't the one who everyone looked up to and depended upon. She didn't have to constantly worry about failing their expectations about being perfect in every word and action.

"Finally," he continued, "we have some permits regarding..."

"Just send them to my chambers at day's end," Celestia interrupted. The meeting had gone on long enough and her patience was running thin. "I'll have them signed by tomorrow."

"Yes of course," the chairman answered with a bow. "Well I think that's everything. If you'll excuse us, we have a meeting with the caterers regarding hors d'oeuvres to be served during the masquerade." As the planning committee turned and half fled from the throne room, Celestia took a deep breath to steady herself but felt only a minor release of tension.

"Kibitz," she called. From off to the side, an elder unicorn with a finely groomed mustache came before the throne.

"I'm here your highness."

"Are we finished yet?"

"Um, no your highness," Kibitz answered as he read off the scheduling scroll. "Next you have a meeting with the parade committee regarding the route and then with the vendor's committee regarding assignment spots for the concession stands." It never ended. They always wanted something from her. They couldn't even give her a moment of peace.

"Very well," she said. "I will be there shortly."

"Of course," Kibitz added, "If you're not feeling well we could always re..." but one glare from Celestia was all it took to convey her thoughts on that idea.

"I'm fine."

"Of course your highness," Kibitz replied as he rushed from the throne room. Now that she was finally alone, Celestia allowed herself to slump in her throne as she rubbed her forehead with her hoof. Her temple and heart were both pounding like a drum. But through the anger and frustration, one thought kept running through her mind.

What is wrong with me? she wondered. Why am I acting like this?

As she watched the whole scene from outside the throne room's door, Twilight could scarcely believe what she had seen. She had anticipated that the Princess would't be her usual self, but what she had just seen was so out of character that she almost seemed a different pony.

"Hey Twilight," Spike suggested. "Maybe we should wait until after Pinkie gets back with those cupcakes before we talk to her."

"I don't think I want to go to the Summer Sun Celebration any more," Fluttershy whimpered as she cowered behind Luna.

"Look," Twilight tried to assure them. "She might be a little tense but that's understandable given the circumstances. Having to deal with preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration after all that's happened has got be a little trying even for her nerves."

"Do you want me to go out with you?" Cadance asked.

"Let's keep it simple for now," Twilight decided. "The last thing we want to do is to make the Princess feel that we're ganging up on her. Besides, I don't think it's a good idea for her to know that you know just yet."

"You're probably right," Cadance agreed. "I'll meet you and the others back in the garden. I hope everything goes well Twilight."

"And while you're tallking with Celestia," Luna said, "Fluttershy would you mind accompanying me to my chambers? I have another problem that I feel you would be most helpful with."

"Oh um okay," Fluttershy answered. "I don't know how much help I can be but I'll do my very best."

"Any chance your problem could use a little extra help?" Spike asked as Twilight's magic tugged at the scruff of his neck.

"Move it Spike. Just pretend you're protecting Rarity from Nightmare Moon." With Spike reluctantly keeping pace alongside her, Twilight straightened herself up and marched into the throne room. "Princess Celestia?"

"Twilight?" the Princess cried out as they approached the throne. "Why are...oh yes. That's right. You wrote that you are and your friends were coming to Canterlot for business of some kind. Where are they by the way?"

"They came along. They're just running errands in town."

"So Pinkie Pie is not here at the moment?" Celestia asked. "Good." Without a word, Twlight and Spike exchanged mutual glances of shock and confusion. Never in all the time either of them had known the Princess had they ever heard her speak that way about anyone. "And why are you not with them?"

"Well, I wanted to pick up some more books from Star Swirl's library for Ponyville. I hope that's alright."

"What you do with them is no concern of mine," Celestia said as she spread her wings and flew down from the throne to the floor. "If you want to remove any books from Star Swirl's libraray then go ahead. However there is considerable work being done in the castle so while you're here be sure not to get in anypony's way."

"Well we also wanted to check on how you were doing. You know, considering all that happened. Are you sure you're okay to perform the Summer Sun Celebration? I could help if you feel overwhelmed or just need a break." No sooner had Twilight asked then the Princess looked at her with the same icy glare that she had given Mr. Kibitz.

"I thought I instructed you that that matter was never to be brought up again."

"I'm not," Twilight stammered. "I'm just worried that..."

"Twilight I am perfectly capable of handling my responsibilities. I did so for 1000 years by myself and I am more than capable of doing so for another millenia if need be. I suggest you remember that and concern yourself more with your own duties." Shocked by the cold anger in her former teacher's eyes, Twilight stepped back, almost tripping over Spike as he hid behind her.

"I didn't mean any disrespect Princess."

"Then next time think before you speak. Now If you'll excuse me." Moving aside, Twilight kept her eye on Celestia as she passed by her. What is going on here? Twilight wondered. This isn't anything at all like the Princess I know. Could losing Sombra really have affected her to such an extreme degree? There was one way Twilight could think of to be certain.

"There is one other thing Princess." Stopping in her tracks, Celestia bristled as if ready to explode.

"Twilight what are you doing?" Spike whispered, but Celestia took another deep breath and calmed herself down.

"What is it?" she finally asked.

"Well, your last letter said that you wanted me to partake in the opening ceremony with you and Luna. I'd be honored but I'm still having a little trouble getting used to flying. Rainbow Dash has been giving me lessons but they all end with me getting a face full of dirt. If you have a free moment while I'm in Canterlot maybe you could give me some pointers. You know for old time's sake?"

"Twilight, I am very busy. And I don't have time to deal with trivial matters. If your friend is already teaching you then that is more than sufficient."

"I understand. Just forget that I asked." That proved it. Back when she was Celestia's apprentice and Twilight needed help with something, the Princess would always find the time to help her no matter how busy she was.

"While we're discussing it," Celestia continued, "if you really are going to Star Swirl's Library there is something I want you to do."

"Of course what is it?"

"If you find any notes or manuscripts related to certain matters, you are to destroy them. I trust you know what I mean."

"Destroy them?" The Princess couldn't be serious. How could she ask her to destroy books of all things?

"I don't want anything like that happening ever again. Star Swirl's research must not be followed by anyone."

"But Princess I can't just..."

"Twilight!" Celestia snapped as she glared over her shoulder. "You will do as you have been instructed. Is that clear?"

"Y...yes princess." Celestia turned away and Twilight could only watch in stunned silence as the wise and gentle alicorn she had idolized since her foalhood walked out of the throne room, the castle servants giving her a wide berth as she passed.

"Next time," Spike asked, "how about we just go with Pinkie Pie to get cupcakes?"

Walking down the hall with Luna, Fluttershy would occasionally cast a nervous glance at her. Though she wasn't scared anymore of the pony who had once been Nightmare Moon, she still felt a little intimidated by being in her presence. Luna always carried herself in a manner that was regal, composed, and confident. But now, with all that was going on and despite her standing as Princess, she looked like any other young mare straining under the weight of her problems.

"Don't worry Princess," Fluttershy told her. "I'm certain that Twilight will be able to figure out whatever's wrong with Celestia." At least I hope she will, she thought as Luna smiled gratefully at her.

"Thank you for your assurance."

"So, if you don't mind my asking, what is this other problem that you have?"

"Well," Luna explained as they finally reached her private chambers, "in addition to Celestia I seem to be having difficulties lately with Tiberius as well."

"Who's Tiberius?"

"My pet."

"Pet?" Fluttershy squeed as she launched herself into the Princess's face. "Pet? You have a pet? Is he a magical creature like Philomena? A cute little kitty? Or is he a nocturnal creature like a bat or a wolf?"

"Well," Luna said," yes actually. He's a possum."

"Oh possums are so adorable," Fluttershy gushed. "A lot of ponies don't like them because they look like rats. Which is just silly because possums aren't even rodents."

"Yes well as I was sayng I've been having difficulties with him as well. It started the same night as Celestia's nightmare. He began acting up and I was forced to scold him rather harshly. Ever since then, we haven't been on speaking terms."

"Oh that's terrible. Not to fear your highness. I haven't met an animal problem yet that I couldn't solve. Just leave everything to me."

"I am most appreciative of that," Luna said she opened the door. Peeking inside, Fluttershy saw a drawing room adorned with white carpets and drapes, dark blue furniture, and whose walls and ceilings had been painted to resemble a starry night sky while overhead, a lamp shaped like the full moon hung from the ceiling that cast everything in a soft glow. Across the room, next to a stairway that spiraled upstairs, a dead hollowed out tree had been mounted into the floor where a possum hung from its tail eating a strawberry. As soon as he saw them enter, the possum scowled and spun around so that its back was turned to them.

"Tiberius that is enough!" Luna scolded. "You are in the presence of company and I want you to stop this behavior this instant!" But Tiberius merely crossed his arms and snorted in indignation. "As you can see I am at my wits end over what to do."

"Let me try," Fluttershy advised as she flew up next to him. "Um excuse me, Mr. Tiberius. I'm Fluttershy. Princess Luna tells me that you and her haven't been getting along lately. If you don't mind me asking, I was wondering if maybe you could tell me why you're mad at her?" Tiberius grumbled over his shoulder.

"What did he say?"

"He says that you didn't want to listen when he first tried to tell you so why should he tell you now?"

"Because I didn't...what?" A look of shame came over Luna's face as she gestured Fluttershy to move aside.

"Tiberius I'm sorry," she said. "I've been so preoccupied with Celestia and preparation for the festival that I neglected my duties as your owner. I promise that from now on I'll listen when you try to tell me something. So will you forgive me? Pwease, ikkle-diddy-widdle-Tibble-kins?" Luna stuck out her bottom lip in a pout as Tiberius looked over his shoulder and sighed before finally twisting around to give her face a hug. "That's a good Tibbles," Luna said as she cuddled him. "Now what is it you wanted to tell me?" Climbing down from the tree, Tiberius lay on his back and began to squirm and thrash about the carpet.

"Um, you had a bad itch?" Fluttershy asked. "Is that it?" Tiberius shook his head no.

"A nightmare?" Luna asked to which Tiberius emphatically nodded. "You had a nightmare." Another no. "Are you talking about Celestia's nightmare? Is that it?" Tiberius nodded again as he got on all fours and began sniffing around the carpet. "You sensed something," Luna guessed as Tiberius ran across the room and pointed up at a mirror that had been hung up on the wall. "Something about a mirror? Wait, are you referring to the piece from the mirror that led to the other world? Quickly Tibbles, tell me what it was." Rising up on his rear legs, Tiberius bared his teeth and raised his front paws in a threatening manner. "You sensed something bad."

"Bad?" Fluttershy started. "As in dangerous?" Rubbing her chin, Luna hummed in thought and levitated Tiberius up onto her back.

"That mirror," she said. "It all started that night. If what Tibbles says is true, then whatever has afflicted Celestia with this ill temperament has some association with that mirror shard. Come Fluttershy! We must gather Twilight and Cadence so that we may investigate at once!"

"Um I'd really rather not if that's okay with you!" But Luna seized her tail with her magic and dragged Fluttershy after her.

"Do not fear Fluttershy. Whatever foul evil has worked its mischief through that shard we shall face it together!"

"That's what I'm afraid of!"